Local Doctor Strives to Empower Women to Best Support Their Health as their Hormones Shift
By Dr. Emilie Wilson, owner and founder, Sanos Wellness
Shifting hormones make your body feel like a mystery. That’s why puberty feels so awkward, why pregnancy takes over your brain, body and stomach, and why perimenopause is a return to the unexpected. Thankfully, women are getting more savvy about our health. A desire to understand what’s happening in our bodies in perimenopause is revolutionizing women’s health and wellness.
Here are some important questions I get about perimenopause:
How do I know if I’m in perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, typically starting in your 40s. The signs can be subtle at first, but symptoms like irregular periods, mood swings, and sleep disturbances are common.
However, they can overlap with other health issues, so tracking your symptoms and consulting with a healthcare provider provides insight.
What symptoms should I be concerned about?
Symptoms vary from woman to woman, but you’ll want to discuss persistent or severe issues—like heavy bleeding, extreme fatigue, anxiety, or depression—with your doctor. You should also talk with your doc if you have any other questions or concerns about your health.
While many symptoms are normal, extreme changes in your menstrual cycle, severe mood changes, or difficulty sleeping might need further investigation to rule out other conditions.
How can I balance my hormones naturally without medication?
Balancing hormones naturally starts with diet and lifestyle. Regular exercise, stress management, and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can support hormone health.
Always consult a healthcare provider to tailor a plan specific to your needs.
How does stress affect perimenopause?
Stress has major effects on our hormones and can worsen perimenopausal symptoms.
High levels of stress may intensify mood swings, anxiety, and fatigue. Practicing stress-relief techniques, like mindfulness, yoga, or deep breathing, can support a healthy stress response.
Will I gain weight during perimenopause?
Weight gain is a common but unwelcome side effect of hormonal shifts. A healthy diet, regular exercise, restorative sleep and stress management can help manage weight.
How does diet help in perimenopause?
A nutrient-dense diet is key. Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits, vegetables, and filtered water. Foods with phytoestrogens, such as soy and flaxseed, may support healthy hormones.
Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods can also support perimenopausal wellness.
And this is just scratching the surface. Women want to know how perimenopause affects mood, sleep, thyroid, fertility, our relationships, and more. Most importantly, we want to know how we can support our health and wellness.
If you’re curious to learn more, subscribe to The EDIT, my online publication celebrating women’s health across our reproductive lifespan.
Dr. Emilie Wilson is a naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist, author, and women’s advocate. She founded Sanos Wellness to empower women’s health through education, awareness, and self-worth. Learn more at sanoswellness.com.